Forever Chemicals

 

Forever chemical’s scientific name is perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are a huge concern to our health and our environment. 

Teflon was invented in 1938 and since then, perfluorinated polymers or PFs have been used in a wide variety of home appliances and housewares. This is due to their extraordinary stability and aversion to heat and water. It’s their stability, in fact, that creates such a huge dilemma.

PFAS do not chemically break down naturally in the environment. This leads to build-up in the soil, water and even in the human body. The forever chemicals are even found in the soil and water of Antarctica. Plans  to remove them totally from production practices are still forth coming.

Treatment of PF’s is taxing, as they only begin decomposition at 400°C.  Consequently, PFs and PFAS end up in landfills and contaminate soil.

A room temperature deflorination practice is beginning. A study from Ritsumeikan University was recently published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition 19. The study describes visible light used to breakdown PFAS and FPS at room temperature into fluorine ions. Using this unique method, the scientists reached total deflorination of perfluoroctanesulfonate (PFOS) in just eight hours of light. 

“The proposed methodology is promising for the effective decomposition of diverse perfluoroalkyl substances under gentle conditions, thereby significantly contributing toward establishment of a sustainable fluorine-recycling society,” reports professor Yoichi Kobayashi, author of the study.

The new technique irridates visible LED light onto Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) nano crystals and copper doped CdS (Cu-CdS) nano crystals with ligands of mercaptopeopionic acid (MPA) in a mixture of PFAS, PFS, and triethanolamine (TEOA).

The scientists found that by irridating the nanoparticles of the semiconductors produces electrons that have a high reduction potential. The potential is strong enough to break down the very strong carbon-fluorine bonds that appear in PFAS molecules.

 Fluorine is an important chemical in many industries, used in pharmaceuticals and even clean energy technology. By recovering fluorine from waste PFAS, we can reduce the need to make more. Potentially it will create more sustainable recycling programs. 

“The technique will contribute to the development of recycling technologies for fluorine elements, which are used in various industries and support our prosperous society.” Reports professor Kobayashi.

The important work of eliminating forever chemicals continues….

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